World Scholar Athlete Games

VEAZIE – Matthew Baber, 17, has been selected to participate in the 2006 World Scholar Athlete Games June 24-July 1, at the University of Rhode Island.

Baber, a Veazie resident and John Bapst Memorial High School student, will participate in baseball. A lifelong athlete participating in many sports, Baber plays on the JBHS varsity golf and ski teams.

He has played third base on the Veazie-Orono Senior League Little League team and is active in the John Bapst Civil Rights Panel and Ethics Panel.

On graduation in 2007, he hopes to attend the University of Central Florida to study business.

Held every four years, the 2006 Games will bring together some 2,000 young scholars who have completed grade nine or above and are talented in athletics or fine arts.

Participants will come from 160 countries to celebrate personal achievement and cultural diversity. Through experiences in the athletic arena, classroom or studio, in group discussions, informal gatherings and a variety of activities, the students will develop understanding, acceptance and friendship with peers from around the world.

Theme Days serve as a forum to unite participants, both scholar-athletes and scholar-artists, in discussions about issues that affect everyone. Activities emphasize leadership development and character education in ethics and sportsmanship, the global environment, world peace, world health, hunger and nutrition. Each participant will write and present an essay to delegates from the United Nations on one of the topics.

Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, Bode Miller, Bill O’Reilly and former president Bill Clinton will speak during this year’s games. For information, visit www.internationalsport.com/sa2006/index.cfm

The Institute for International Sport is a nonprofit organization located at the University of Rhode Island.

Hershey’s Track and Field Games

Regional and state events for the Hershey’s Track and Field Games will be held in the area in coming weeks.

Youngsters age 9-14 will participate in the regional event at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Cameron Stadium on Garland Street, Bangor.

The state meet is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, at Corey-Debeck-Morelli Field on Pendleton Street in Brewer.

Last year, five Maine athletes advanced to the four-day finals in August in Hershey, Pa., including Joseph Belanger of Glenburn.

The Hershey Co. funds the North American event, covering the costs for district and state meets as well as transportation of athletes to the games in Pennsylvania. Standing long jump, softball throw and a variety of dashes and races encourage the kids to adopt physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.

The state coordinator for Hershey’s Track and Field Games is Tim Baude, Orono director of parks and recreation. He may be reached at 866-5065.

Glenburn 5K road race

GLENBURN – On Saturday, June 24, in conjunction with Glenburn Days 2006, the Friends of Glenburn Track will be hosting the first ever Glenburn 5K.

All proceeds will go toward the construction and maintenance of an all-weather track for the town of Glenburn students and residents.

Participants may sign up 8-8:45 a.m. the day of the race at the fire station, Lakeview Road, or by e-mail before June 23, friends of glenburntrack@yahoo.com

The race begins at 9 a.m. by the fire station and finishes behind Glenburn School on Hudson Road.

Ribbons will be presented. There will be a water station available on the route.

The course covers dirt road, pavement and grass. For information, contact race director Ray Cooke at 949-0430.

The cost is $5 for those 18 and older, $3 under 18. Make checks payable to Friends of Glenburn Track.

British soccer camp

ORONO – The Orono Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its British Soccer Camp run by Challenger Sports the week of July 10-14.

Children ages 4-5 will attend 9-10:30 a.m., and the cost is $70. Children age 6-10 will attend 9 a.m.-noon at a cost of $100.

Pupils age 11-16 participate 1-4 p.m. at a cost of $100.

Those aged 10-16 have the option of an all day camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for $145. All campers receive a free ball and T-shirt. Preregister to avoid late fees. For more information, contact the recreation office at 866-5065.

Red Riot Soccer Camp

ORONO – Come join University of Maine women’s soccer coach Scott Atherly for a weeklong soccer camp July 31-Aug. 4.

The camp is great for the beginner or for that high school player getting ready for the upcoming preseason work outs. Camp will be geared to the campers’ abilities.

The fee is $75, including a ball and shirt.

Camp runs 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sign up early and become the best soccer player you can be.

Tee-It-Up golf for children

ORONO – The Orono Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its Tee-it-Up golf clinic for all children in grades three through eight.

The clinic will be held the week of June 26-30, and will not interfere with any other Orono recreation program. For more information, call the recreation office at 866-5065.